Empowering youth in and from government care in BC

How you can get it

There are lots of reasons you might need income assistance. You can be any age to receive assistance. It can help you if:

• You don’t have a job, or do not earn enough to survive
• You have money but need to wait for it to arrive
• You can’t work at all
• You urgently need food, shelter or medical attention

The online Eligibility Estimator will help determine if you qualify.

How do I apply for income assistance?

1. Fill out the online application form. You’ll need:
   • The names and birthdates of your family members.
   • Your shelter and utility costs.
   • Other financial information, like bank account balances and tax assessments.
   • To talk to someone about applying, visit an Employment and Assistance Office or call 1-866-866-0800.
2. Search for work. You have to actively look for work for five weeks and keep track of your efforts on a Work Search Activities (pdf).
3. Set up an interview. The Ministry will try twice to call you to set up an interview. If you don’t answer or return the call, they’ll cancel your application. If you don’t have a phone they can call, you can call them to set up the interview at 1-866-866-0800 or go to the office in person.
4. Have the interview. These can be done over the phone or in person. You’ll need documents to verify who you are, your income, how much money you have, and your living arrangement. You’ll also be asked about your work search, so be sure to have a copy of your activities record. Documents can be submitted online.

After you apply, you’ll need to provide documents that back up your application:

• Income verification documents like a paystub or record of employment
• Shelter costs, like rent receipts and utility bills
• a SIN number

Income assistance is calculated based on the date of your application, so it’s important to apply as soon as you need it. You can provide documents online or in person later in the process.

Hardship Assistance

Work Search

You will have to actively look for work for:

• Five weeks if you’ve never received income assistance before
• Three weeks if you’re returning to income assistance

You will need to keep a record of your search on the Work Search Activities (PDF) form. The Find employment services can help you find a local WorkBC centre.

You might not have to do a work search under certain circumstances listed on the government site.